ING Broker-Dealers Launch Virtually Paperless Process for Reps' Offices

The broker-dealers of ING Advisors Network have begun rolling out imaging to enable their registered representatives' offices to become virtually paperless environments. The imaging system, which is integrated into the broker-dealers' propriety platform, ING SmartWorks®, will enable ING's representatives to capture, process and retrieve documents vital to their broker-dealer and non-broker-dealer business.

"This continues to make it easier for our reps to do business, saving them time, space, and ultimately money," said John Simmers, CEO of ING Advisors Network. He added, "With the ability to integrate non-broker-dealer business images and extremely competitive pricing, this is the best all-around imaging offering in the independent broker-dealer space."

ING broker-dealers have already been handling most back-office operations through imaging. The new effort, which began rolling out over the past month, will integrate existing system data and will allow supervisors and operations staff to easily access appropriate documents. Non-broker-dealer business documents are segregated, so that they are not accessible by ING Advisors Network or their individual broker-dealer.

"The web integration means that our reps only need a scanner to go paperless," said Kevin Laraia, chief operations officer at ING Advisors Network. "As we move towards straight-through processing and continue to expand functionality of our systems, the staff time saved by not faxing, mailing and filing can be used to better serve clients and build their businesses. Best of all, because it is web-based, they have access from anywhere - an off-site client meeting, at home or at the office."

About the broker-dealers of ING

ING Advisors Network is an independent broker-dealer network consisting of Financial Network Investment Corporation, ING Financial Partners, Inc., Multi-Financial Securities Corporation and PRIMEVEST Financial Services, Inc. With approximately 8,000 financial professionals, these four firms specialize in financial planning, asset management, insurance and third-party bank marketing. The broker-dealers of ING are members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation.

About ING

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 130,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

In the U.S., the ING (NYSE: ING) family of companies offer a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 17 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com .

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  Philip Margolis
  ING
  (860) 580-2676
  phil.margolis@us.ing.com

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SOURCE: ING

CONTACT: Philip Margolis of ING, +1-860-580-2676,
phil.margolis@us.ing.com

Web site: http://www.ing.com/